Up to 180 jobs are being created in the Highlands to support the construction of the world's largest offshore wind farm.

The roles will be based at the Maraen Port of Nigg, where turbine components will be prepared before being transported by ship to the site of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea.

The new jobs are linked to two phases of the renewable energy development, and recruitment is underway.

The posts include project managers, port operators and mechanical and electrical technicians.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which is located more than 80 miles (130km) off England's north-east coast, is a £9bn joint venture between energy companies SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn.

It is being built in three phases - A, B and C - and collectively they will form the world's largest wind farm, according to its developers.

Once operational in mid-2028, the farm could be capable of powering about six million homes annually.

Port of Nigg is part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.

It is to be used as a marshalling harbour for phases B and C.

Scottish Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: "Scotland's ports are exceptionally well placed to support the energy transition and the growth of offshore wind.

"Maraen Port of Nigg is a key example – boosting regional economic opportunity and supporting supply chain businesses."

Steve Wilson, offshore wind director at SSE Renewables, said Nigg had a highly-skilled workforce and world class facilities.